Honestly…|an honest take on the world of PR and other things by Cindy Ronzoni

I was a bit taken back by how many harsh reviews were written by the nation’s film critics today about the movie “Get Smart.” Man, some of the critics were just brutal in their critiques and when so many are of one accord that usually means something. To give you a small sampling of some of the comments, take a look at the lead to LA Times Movie Critic Kenneth Turnan’s review this morning.

“GET SMART” is a film mistaken about its own identity. As a reworking of one of the great 1960s TV comedies, you’d think being funny would be its main goal. But you would be wrong. Very, very wrong.”

I have read that the producers have taken the slap-stick hilarious dead-pan humor of the 60’s popular series and added James Bond-like special effects to the movie. It’s full of one-liners and it is mixed with huge stunts. Nevertheless, the movie got panned by those whom know the medium well; but if you visit the comments, websites and blogs of customers who have gone to see it today - they absolutely loved it. The reviews from the people filling the seats were that it was laugh out loud funny.

I’ll tell you what laugh out loud funny is. If you have a few minutes take a look at this first act from the very first episode of the television series. I know when I was watching it, I was actually guffawing out loud.

It was so hilariously written that it makes you want to see the second half. In case you do….here’s part 2.

Now take a look at this trailer from the new movie.

What do you think?

This post isn’t really about the movie, but more about the reason why the movie was made in the first place. I am going to make a bold statement here and know the answer, but I am going to say it anyway. Where have all the original ideas gone?

I wish we could turn back the clock to the time when Hollywood took chances and didn’t worry about the bottom line. That’s when we got our gems and movies with lasting impressions! Now I’m afraid to say that Studios are forced to play it safe and broad. You can’t please everyone - I just wish they would stop trying.

In case you haven’t noticed we’ve got a bunch of similar movies out right that appeal to a certain boyish audience. Comic book themed movies are all the rage. Scary movies are present as well as animated kids movies. That’s our summer. I’m staying out of the theater. How about you? There’s not one movie I’m dying to see.

This also applies to so many areas besides films. Let’s take a look at TV for a second. “The Price is Right” with Drew Carey vs. Bob Barker. People are missing Bob. The New Password - is doing okay….but the original was so perfect! The New American Gladitors, well that can be a wash. And soon we’re also going to be exposed to an updated re-make of the TV series “Circus with the Stars.”

I think in the area of food improving upon original recipes can work more easily. I know it didn’t work for Coca-Cola, but I do think it works for KFC. New and improved cleaning products are usually better too. I think we’re more accepting of those items, but PLEASE keep your hands off off film and TV classics. Corporate creative executives please start taking risks more and going with your gut again about new original content. I mean, if someone pitched “Seinfeld” today in our landscape, it wouldn’t be picked up, unless from one of the gutsier programmers like HBO, Showtime or FX. Those houses take risks - I may not agree with some of their choices, but at least their product is rich and fresh.

It’s hot here and I’m cranky and sticky. But, alas I’m joining with Google today and wishing you a very happy summer. As the temperatures rise where you are - may you be able to steal away to the local theater for a respite from the heat. And may the movie you’re watching be worth the price of admission.

Here’s to the first day of summer!